Kuldeep Yadav claims four wickets as India win first ODI
Kuldeep Yadav's four-wicket haul anchored India's bowling display in the series-opening ODI victory over West Indies.
Kuldeep Yadav took four for 40 as India defeated West Indies in the first ODI at Thiruvananthapuram. The left-arm wrist-spinner's figures formed the backbone of India's bowling effort on a surface that offered turn.
Fast bowling remains physically demanding on the body, particularly in India where pitches have historically offered limited assistance. The decision to leave grass on pitches during Sourav Ganguly's tenure as BCCI president has created more favourable conditions for seamers.
Spin bowling carries its own physical toll, with finger spinners managing pain from seam contact and wrist spinners facing constant self-doubt. Kuldeep's performance demonstrated the value of wrist-spin craft at the highest level.
CricHubb Take
India's choice to start Kuldeep on a turning track raises the question of how often they will back wrist-spin in ODIs when the pitch offers less help.